Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Adrien
Normally I’d blame the jitter in my fingers on too much caffeine. But sitting in the leather seats of a hastily chartered jet, watching Brie work on her laptop, the tremor feels like a warning light. Instead of coffee, I crave a nice scotch.
The plan is simple in concept, risky in execution: convince Moira Kelly to cut a new deal directly with me, bypassing Eddie entirely. It’s either brilliant or suicidal—I’ll know which when I’m face-to-face with the woman who could leave me bankrupt. Something she may want to do once I expose her.
I formulated this plan between my office and the condominium swimming pool, and it had better fucking work.
I debated bringing Brie, but ultimately insisted she join me, as I believe she’s safer on a jet to Paris than she would be back in New York on her own, even if she camped out in my place.
I know little about this Magpie organization, but I know how the wealthy elite operate; they prioritize self-preservation.
Without knowing who might be threatened with this investigation, I’m not about to leave Brie behind.
In the hold of the plane, she has three suitcases filled with everything she believes we might possibly need. I packed only one small duffel for a fresh change on the return flight tomorrow, as I don’t plan to stay.
The hole in the plan is my father. Five messages unreturned. Mom has assured me he’s not avoiding me, that he’s out on a catamaran with friends. I’d plan to meet him on the dock, but he’s in Greece, and I’m en route to France. My gut tells me if I’m going to carry this off, I need to move fast.
Out the window, clouds mix with blue, and farther out toward earth the blue of the Atlantic stretches to the horizon. The woman sitting across from me, a table between us, offers the superior view. But judging from her taps, she’s deep into a messaging exchange with her team.
I overheard enough of her phone conversation to know that she’s struggling to convince them I can be trusted.
Her boss, Hudson, didn’t want her leaving the country with me.
But she believes she’s keeping me safe. Letting her believe that proved to be an effective method of convincing her to come along.
I stare at my phone, willing it to ring.
My plan falls apart without my father. I moved across the ocean for my independence, and here I am needing him once again. It’s annoying as hell.
Under the table her knee finds mine; her blue eyes flick up. I slide my hand to the edge of her leg. The Lycra is warm and taut under my palm. Given we’ll land late and there’s no chance of any meeting before the end of our day, we’re both dressed casually.
Everything depends on this working. Not just the club—though losing my first independent venture would be humiliating enough.
It’s Brie’s safety and the trust of every member who believed The Sanctuary was truly sanctuary.
I’ve spent three years proving I’m more than a trust fund heir.
I have no desire to let Eddie’s betrayal undo all of that.
And I sure as hell won’t allow anyone to threaten Brie because of my business.
Finally, my phone lights up with my father’s name.
I answer it on speaker so Brie can hear everything.
“Dad.”
Brie closes her laptop, her attention set on me.
“Adrien. Where are you?”
“Somewhere over the Atlantic.”
“What—Margot is looking for you.”
“Why? Because you told her I called?”
Brie’s lips curve, reflecting amusement, like she’s on my team.
“She said you listened and understood. You’re not about to do something reckless, are you?” There’s an edge to his tone I haven’t heard in quite some time. It’s his boardroom, no bullshit tone. That’s fine. I no longer answer to my father.
“Dad, I need you to set up a meeting for me with Moira Kelly.”
“You’ve lost your mind.”
“No, Dad, I haven’t.”
“Adrien, this isn’t a woman to cross. She doesn’t just ruin businesses—she destroys lives.”
“Then why have you worked with her for years?”
“Because I was smart enough never to cross her.”
“Do you really believe that? Think about it. Who cares if you bought competitive insights? It’s not like you were using the information for insider trading.
Corporate espionage happens all the time, and you’re in fashion.
It’s not like you’re developing nuclear weapons.
And as for me? My clients include some of the wealthiest in the world.
If she releases their secrets, are they going to be angry at me, or at her?
Me? The man who bought a club three years ago and expanded the enterprise without knowledge of an employee undercutting him?
Or the woman who built a business on secrets? ”
“Moira is elusive for a reason. You’ll never find her.”
“That’s why I’m calling you. I need you to ask her to meet with me.”
Silence extends across the line. Brie reaches across the table and covers my hand with hers.
“You’re going to sell us out? Throw everything away?”
“No. Because I have no intention of allowing my employee to undercut me. After all, would you allow that? You have a personal relationship with her, do you not?”
“Why do you believe that?”
“Margot told me. She said she’s a family friend.”
“Intéressant. Why did you leave without Margot?” My father may be in his eighties, but he’s not easily duped—never has been.
“Margot has business in New York.” At least, I assume she does. She’s an efficient CEO. Even if she didn’t, she wouldn’t fly across an ocean without capitalizing on the trip. “And don’t worry, I didn’t take the company jet. I left it for her.”
The d’Avricourt company plane is far nicer than the private plane I located at the last minute. I would’ve flown commercial if pressed, but I’m grateful for this plane. It allows me to have this very conversation while in transit.
“Kind of you, given you didn’t want anything to do with our company.”
Yes, that’s a sore point.
“Dad, arrange the meeting. I’m asking as your son.”
“You’re just looking to cut a deal?”
“That’s all.” My gaze cuts to Brie, and my gut twists. I’ll have to beg for forgiveness from my father later.
“You won’t harm her?”
“I’m not a brute.”
“She is a friend. We have history.”
If I’m right about his history, then I understand what he’s saying.
“Dad, come on. I’m your son. You know me. I don’t want to hurt her. I only wish to talk with her.”
“Ah, yes. My son. A man who willingly walked away from his heritage.”
“Because the company is Margot’s passion. It’s not mine.”
“And now…what? You want to enter the game of secrets?”
It’s a tough sell. I was born into money; and therefore, I’ve never been starved for it.
“I don’t like being screwed over by a man who professed loyalty.
I could’ve let him go three years ago when I acquired the business, but I gave him a chance—and he squandered that chance.
I can never trust him. I’m not keeping him in my employment.
Margot said that’s what’s required of me.
I won’t do it. I refuse. Let me meet Moira. I want a different arrangement.”
“She’s in Paris.”
I don’t mention that KOAN already tracked her to Paris. “Then that’s where I’ll go.”
“I’ll call her and send you the details.”
“Thank you.” I look directly into Brie’s eyes and smile. Finding Moira would be challenging and time consuming, but Dad is making this easy. My plan is going to work. “And Dad, I love you.”
“Christ, Adrien. You sound like you’re saying goodbye.”
“Just...take care of Mom. And keep your eyes open.”
“Don’t make me regret this son.”
The call ends, and for a long second, I inhale deeply, fending off the guilt of playing my father.
Brie places both of her hands over mine.
Without my saying a word, she understands.
I’ll help track her extortionist. And Eddie will be fired.
But there are risks. Even if the meeting with Moira goes well, there will likely be consequences.
“You’re doing the right thing.” She says it because she knows I need to hear it.
With an exhale, I drink her in. She’s lovely, beautiful, but I’ve known plenty of beautiful women.
What I’ve never had is this—someone who ignores notoriety.
Intelligence, independence, integrity; she’s far more than a pretty face.
Trite but true. I’m falling for her—or, I suppose, I fell for her our first weekend together.
I want her in my life, by my side, long after this episode is behind us.
“Are you having second thoughts about walking into the lion’s den?” she asks, studying my expression with intent.
“It’s better than letting the lion come hunting in my territory.” I lift her hands and interlace our fingers. “Besides, I’ll have backup.”
“One former CIA operative against an international intelligence broker?”
“The best former CIA operative.” The smile I give her is more confident than I feel. “And I’m counting on my charm.”
Her laugh is soft, thin with worry. “Your charm won’t stop a bullet.”
“Maybe not,” I say, squeezing her fingers. “But I’m not walking away.”